The European Commission has opened a public consultation to gather feedback on the revision of its EU merger guidelines, aiming to modernise how it assesses mergers in light of major economic and technological shifts over the past two decades.
The current guidelines, last updated in 2004 and 2008, define how the Commission evaluates mergers between competitors (horizontal mergers) and between companies in different parts of the supply chain (non-horizontal mergers). In today’s evolving landscape—shaped by digitalisation, sustainability goals, globalisation, and security challenges—the Commission says an update is essential to ensure that merger control continues to support innovation, competition, and resilience in the EU economy.
Adapting to Today’s Challenges
The review will explore how merger assessments can better reflect factors such as innovation, investment intensity, sustainability, defence and security needs, and broader economic resilience. It will also consider the evolving role of competition in strategic sectors of the economy.
“This comprehensive and ambitious review…will allow us to account for disruptive changes…such as digitalisation,” said Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for the Clean, Just and Competitive Transition. “We count on your help.”
How to Participate
The consultation is open to all citizens, businesses, and organisations. Participants can respond to a general public questionnaire, as well as a more technical, in-depth version. The Commission has also published seven discussion papers focusing on issues such as market power, innovation, decarbonisation, digital transformation, defence, labour, and efficiency.
The deadline for all contributions is 3 September 2025. Feedback will help shape the future of the EU’s merger control framework, with further engagement expected through stakeholder events and workshops.
Looking Ahead
The Commission intends to develop a more transparent and predictable framework for assessing mergers—one that reflects recent legal and market developments while safeguarding competition. The ultimate goal remains clear: to prevent market concentration that harms consumers, while supporting companies in scaling up, innovating, and contributing to a dynamic internal market.
In parallel, the Commission is conducting an economic study on the dynamic effects of mergers, with a call for tender launched in March and a submission deadline of 20 May 2025.
For further details and to take part in the consultation, visit the Commission’s ‘Have Your Say’ portal.
